Jacqueline Lewis, BA, LLB, LLM, is the founder and managing partner of Lewis & Associates LLP, located in Toronto, Canada. She is widely recognized as a dedicated attorney for immigrants and a committed human rights advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Early Life and Education

Ms. Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree in arts from York University in 1985. She later obtained a bachelor’s degree in law from The University of Western Ontario, where she developed foundational legal knowledge and skills. After gaining experience in the legal field, Ms. Lewis pursued a master’s degree in administrative law from York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School.

Driven by her legal expertise, Ms. Lewis has focused much of her career on advocacy. She strives to ensure that individuals receive fair and equitable treatment under the law, using her skills to advance the cause of equality and justice.

Career Journey

Motivated by a mission to provide accessible legal services, Ms. Lewis founded Lewis & Associates LLP in 1991, where she currently serves as managing partner. The practice specializes in immigration and refugee law, offering services to individuals who may face challenges in accessing larger corporate firms due to financial or other barriers.

Ms. Lewis’s commitment to justice is reflected in the work carried out at Lewis & Associates LLP. She notes that Canada has seen an increase in refugees, partly due to global political crises. She hopes to contribute to creating a safe haven for immigrants, particularly those escaping violence or instability in their home countries.

From 2011 to 2014, Ms. Lewis served as a law instructor at Carleton University and Western University, where she shared her passion for helping others with the next generation of legal professionals.

Advocacy and Achievements

In her ongoing commitment to civil service, Ms. Lewis served as president of the Two-Wheeling Women Bike Touring Company from 2013 to 2020 and is currently president of Egale Canada Human Rights Trust. In this role, she leads initiatives aimed at promoting the rights and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community.

At the Egale Canada Human Rights Trust, Ms. Lewis has played a key role in projects such as the development of the country’s first exclusive housing project for LGBTQ+ seniors. Her leadership and advocacy work demonstrates her dedication to advancing human rights in both her personal and professional life.

Personal Philosophy

Ms. Lewis’s approach to her work is rooted in genuine empathy and a deep sense of care. She believes that understanding an individual’s background can contribute to more effective and compassionate legal representation. She actively promotes diversity in her workplaces, fostering an environment of growth and mutual understanding.

Ms. Lewis’s ultimate goal is to help her clients achieve a sense of freedom and security. Through her work at Lewis & Associates LLP, she assists refugees who have fled their countries due to political instability and insecurity. Similarly, her efforts at the Egale Canada Human Rights Trust aim to promote diversity, inclusivity, and freedom for the LGBTQ+ community.

The current political climate, particularly between the US and other countries, has had a noticeable impact on Ms. Lewis’s work. She observes that shifts in policies and attitudes toward undocumented persons in the US may lead to increased migration to Canada. As a result, her firm has experienced growth in recent years, reflecting the broader global trends.

Future Aspirations

Ms. Lewis remains committed to maintaining the quality and values of her firm. Looking ahead, she aims to continue exploring innovative solutions to address the evolving needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Through her legal work and civil service, Ms. Lewis has made a significant impact on her community, offering support and advocacy to those in need. Her dedication to justice and equality serves as an inspiration to others who aspire to create meaningful change. Her initiatives, such as scholarships offered by her firm, the development of the first LGBTQI senior housing project, and the establishment of an LGBTQI legal clinic, highlight her ongoing commitment to advocacy.

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Disclaimer: “The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.”

Published by Tom W.